The plan to install workers on company boards was one of May's first policy announcements as Prime Minister (Source: Getty)

Mark Sands

Theresa May has confirmed that the government will not force firms to put workers on boards, as she announced that former private equity grandee Sir Damon Buffini has been recruited to a review on barriers to long-term investment.

Ministers have been hinting that plans to put workers on boards were being watered down, and today May told an audience that the CBI that while the voices of workers should be represented, “this is not about mandating works councils, or the direct appointment of workers or trade union representatives on boards”.

Similarly, the Prime Minister also revealed the government has recruited Cambridge entrepreneur David Connell to lead a review of the government's small business research initiative – a programme launched last year to connect opportunities through public support of research and development at small firms.

Connell will report back to the government on how it can help further drive innovation through procurement next year.